Resistance of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars to Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) damages bean crops, resulting in decreased leaf area and destruction of reproductive structures. This study aimed to evaluate the types and levels of resistance of bean cultivars to S. frugiperda. The bean cultivars evaluated were: BRS Ametista, Pérola, BRS Notável, BRS Realce, Jalo Precoce, BRS Campeiro, BRS Agreste, BRS Cometa, BRS Executivo and BRS Pitanga, in the Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology of the Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí Campus, Brazil. Tests to identify levels of antixenosis, in free-choice and no-choice tests, and antibiosis were performed in the laboratory (25 ± 2 °C, 70 ± 10 % R. H. and photophase of 14 h). The cultivars BRS Pitanga, BRS Executivo, BRS Notável and BRS Campeiro presented antixenosis and BRS Realce antibiosis to S. frugiperda. However, it is not known whether the levels of resistance exhibited in the laboratory are sufficiently high to be of any economic value to agriculture. Therefore, the next step is to evaluate, under field conditions, the cultivars showing the most resistance in laboratory tests. If field evaluations indicate sufficient levels of resistance to be of practical value, these cultivars may be used as donor sources in the breeding program or may be used directly by farmers.